In Thailand, the term Kathoey —often referred to in English by the loanword "ladyboy"—describes individuals assigned male at birth who live their lives as women. Unlike in many Western cultures where the transition can be strictly binary, Thai culture has a long, complex history of recognizing a "third gender."
The term "ladyboy" is often used to refer to a male-to-female transgender person, particularly in Southeast Asian contexts, such as Thailand. However, its usage can vary significantly across different cultures and communities, sometimes being used interchangeably with terms like "transgender," "trans woman," or more specific local terms. The diversity in terminology reflects the rich tapestry of human experiences and the various ways cultures acknowledge and categorize gender identity.
A on a specific person named Ann who identifies with this term.
: The term is also associated with popular cabaret performances, such as the Lady Boys of Bangkok